Hi-
I'm Ken Witzel. I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By day, I'm an commercial litigation attorney, and by night (and at various other times) I serve as the Director of Communication for the Pittsburgh Coordinating Council for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In that capacity, I help to coordinate and provide training for the Church's community outreach and interfaith efforts throughout western Pa., much of central Pa., and parts of western NY and northern West Virginia. In that role, I have had the privilege of working with and getting to know many incredible people, some of whom are participating in the pilgrimage. (I'm looking forward to adding the rest of you to list shortly.)
My wife, Diane, and I have been married for 28 years. I'm thrilled that she is able to join us on the pilgrimage. We have four children and a son-in-law. My oldest daughter is married and she and her husband live in Utah, where they are finishing up college. My daughter served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Czech Republic, and my son-in-law served a mission in Alabama. My next oldest son just received his associate's degree as an electrician. He lives in Pittsburgh. Next, we have a son and a daughter that are in high school. Our son in high school (a senior) has volunteered to serve a church mission, and, earlier this week learned he will be serving for two years in Cameroon, beginning in July. He is very excited (and a bit nervous) and we are very excited (and a bit nervous) for him. When I was about twenty, I served a two-year mission in the northeast of England. It was a tremendously rewarding and life-changing experience.
I have been involved in interfaith efforts for around 14 or 15 years or so, in the Pittsburgh area - primarily in the North Hills, where I live. It began with an organization called the North Hills Anti-Racism coalition, which hosted an annual Interfaith Gathering. I love gaining a deeper appreciation for other religious traditions, and being involved in interfaith efforts allows me to get to know incredible people whom I would never meet otherwise.
Needless to say, I'm very excited to learn more about each of you and your respective faiths. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!